Building a University
Dr. P. Douglas Kindschi received the Arend D. Lubbers Award at the 2022 GVU Foundation Enrichment Dinner. The award, presented by President Emeritus Don Lubbers, recognizes longtime faculty for their commitment to the university.
Dr. Kindschi’s dedication to Grand Valley began 45 years ago when he was appointed the dean of College IV, which would later become Kirkhof College. He also served as the dean of Sciences and Mathematics for 25 years. In that time, he worked tirelessly to create over 14 academic programs and colleges, including the College of Health Professions, the Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering and Computing, and the Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute.
“Every part of Grand Valley has been touched by Doug Kindschi,” reflects President Philomena Mantella.
Dr. Kindschi’s work is never finished. After 33 years working in science, he was appointed the director of the Kaufman Interfaith Institute in 2010.
“When normal retirement age arrived, he launched another career at Grand Valley,” Don Lubbers explains. “For him, there seems to be one peak after another.”
Inspired by his father’s work as a minister, Dr. Kindschi works to build a bridge of understanding and respect between the science and faith communities. He firmly believes that there is something unique to be gained from a diversity of worldviews.
“As I learned from the various science perspectives, I never saw it conflict with my faith,” said Dr. Kindschi. “It was never one or the other, it was always ‘how can I learn from both?’”
Dr. Kindschi and his wife, Barbara, have generously supported the university through the years. The couple established the P. Douglas Kindschi Undergraduate Research Fellowship in the Sciences, which provides financial assistance to students pursuing independent research during the academic year. In 2015, Grand Valley named its newest science building the P. Douglas Kindschi Hall of Science to recognize his role in advancing the sciences at the university and his generous financial support over the years.
The Grand Valley community thanks Dr. Kindschi for his years of dedication and generous giving in support of the university. Grand Valley would not be the same without his hard work and guiding hand in its development.
“I want my legacy to be one who participated with others in the building of a university,” said Dr. Kindschi. “And not just any university, but a university that has certain values: the values of liberal arts, the values of inclusion, the values of acceptance, and the value of relating to the community.”
The programs he built, the scholarship he established, and the building named in his honor create a legacy that will continue to offer unique educational opportunities and impact students for years to come.